Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batter N Jagadeesan is likely to be added as cover for the injured Rishabh Pant, who is set to miss the fifth Test after suffering a fractured metatarsal while attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes on Day 1 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester.TimesofIndia.com has learnt that the selectors have reached out to the 29-year-old after Ishan Kishan, who was next in line, suffered an ankle injury and was deemed unfit.
Since Jagadeesan does not currently have a visa, it could take a couple of days to process one on priority. Priority applications can be finalised within 48 hours, so it is highly unlikely that he will be able to reach the UK before the end of the ongoing Test match in Manchester.“Jagadeesan has been training at the Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College (SREC) ground in Coimbatore for the last 10 days,” a source tracking the development told Timesofindia.com.“He was simply working towards his batting and wicket-keeping during this period of time, having batted in the middle-order during the recent edition of Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) as well. “Jagadeesan got a call in the afternoon from the BCCI, informing him about his selection in the Indian team for the Test tour of England. The BCCI has obtained all the necessary details from Jagadeesan like his shirt number. “He is simply waiting for his visa at this point of time. All other formalities have been cleared.“Jagadeesan was very happy following his selection in the squad. However, he is simply going through his normal routine at this point of time. Jagadeesan came for his regular practice session after getting the news update and went through the drills.”Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant walked out to bat on Day 2 but BCCI had already made it clear that he won’t don the gloves. “Rishabh Pant, who sustained an injury to his right foot on Day 1 of the Manchester Test, will not be performing wicket-keeping duties for the remainder of the match. Dhruv Jurel will assume the role of wicket-keeper,” BCCI said in a statement.“Despite his injury, Rishabh Pant has joined the team on Day 2 and will be available to bat as per team requirements.”
